Get the Right Tool: You don’t need anything fancy. A pin, needle, or thumbtack will work perfectly to create a tiny hole in the eggshell without cracking it.
Poke the Hole: Hold the egg firmly and use your tool to gently create a small hole at the wider end of the egg, where the air pocket is located. This allows the air to escape as the egg cooks.
Be Gentle: The hole should be small enough to release the air but not so large that it cracks the egg. A delicate touch is key to keeping the egg intact.
Boiling the Eggs: Tips for Perfect Results
Once you’ve prepped the eggs with a small hole, follow these steps to cook them to perfection:
Boil the Water First: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil before adding the eggs. This helps you better control the cooking time.
Lower the Eggs Gently: Use a slotted spoon to gently place the eggs into the boiling water, which helps prevent cracks and ensures even cooking.
Timing Is Key: For soft-boiled eggs, cook for about 6 minutes. For medium-boiled, aim for 8–9 minutes. For hard-boiled, let them cook for 10–12 minutes, adjusting based on your preferred yolk consistency.
Use an Ice Bath: After the eggs are done, immediately transfer them to an ice water bath. This halts the cooking process and helps further loosen the shell, making peeling even easier.
With this simple hack, peeling hard-boiled eggs will no longer be a challenge, leaving you with perfectly smooth eggs every time!
